ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Much like the’ 26 World Cup, the project demanded solid logistics management. Everything had to be ready to go in May – equipment, materials and teams – if the 10-week turnaround was to remain achievable. In preparation, SIS had two containers shipped from Europe to Mexico in advance of work commencing.
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“ Transforming Estadio BBVA into a World Cup-ready venue in just 10 weeks was a milestone for SIS. By integrating SIS Air, SIS Aqua and our turf, we’ ve delivered a surface that meets the highest standards of play and durability. It’ s a proud moment – not just for our team, but for what this project represents in terms of innovation and collaboration.
Carlos Reis, Operations Director
Excavation took just over two weeks. Once the area had been fully cleared down to the formation level, trenches were dug for irrigation pipework to be laid. The sand bed was then added, with gravel and a root bed on top, and finished with fresh natural turf, grown 100km away in the turf farm chosen by the client and FIFA.
Among the world’ s most advanced playing surface
Estadio BBVA represents an important step forward for SIS, as the first major stadium to install three of our solutions at a single project.
The first was a new version of SIS Air – a turf aeration and rainwater management system designed to promote stronger, healthier grass. For Monterrey, the system was upgraded with enhanced moisture and temperature sensors, allowing the site team to adapt to local conditions in Mexico, where natural grass typically struggles to thrive.
This upgrade was designed to work alongside SIS Aqua, an advanced pitch irrigation system with 35 pop-up units that can be individually controlled. This creates an even distribution of water across the pitch, delivering a uniform playing surface.
Finally – and key to meeting the 10-week turnaround – the stadium was fitted with SIS Hybrid. The installation of hybrid grass can be completed in as little as three days using SIS Pitches’ leading X-Gen machines, which were launched globally in 2025.
All set for the coupe du monde
SIS’ s planning and logistics has paid off, with the stadium now set for one of the world’ s most-watched sporting events.
Delivery was completed by 24 July, meeting the 10-week deadline. The result is an elite-level football pitch now capable of performing to the highest standards all year round, supported by a suite of tools that optimise play regardless of local conditions.
Since completion, SIS has been on site to hand over to the Estadio BBVA site team, advising on regular maintenance and scheduling. Initial feedback has been positive.
GroundskeepingJournal. co. uk | January / February 2026 7